Raising eight children might not earn you a reality show, but it certainly attracts attention, especially in grocery stores where curious onlookers often start counting my little ones. When I venture out with all eight, I prepare for the usual barrage of questions about their parentage and whether I have a television at home.
We didn’t initially plan for such a large family, but it always felt like someone was missing. Now that they’re all here, I wouldn’t trade our vibrant, bustling life for anything quiet. People frequently ask how I manage it all. Honestly, I just do. It’s similar to a circus juggler, adding new tasks while trying to keep everything else in the air. Eventually, there might be a spectacular collapse, and that’s when the real challenge arises—picking up the pieces and starting to juggle again.
1. Stay Organized
Organization is essential in our household. Countless hours have been wasted due to miscommunication and poor time management. There are days when I need to get three kids to three different locations simultaneously, all while tackling homework and dinner prep. Many chaotic nights have resulted from this, and while I’m not proud of those moments—like doing homework in the car with kids munching on convenience foods—they’ve taught me valuable lessons.
To bring some order, I created a large family calendar on a magnetic dry-erase board that tracks everyone’s schedules. Everything from gym shoe days to which child needs to bring an instrument is noted. I also utilize Google Calendar, synced with my husband’s, reducing frantic school calls asking for forgotten items. The bulletin board above it keeps vital information close at hand, such as class contact numbers and lunch schedules.
2. Everyone Contributes
It’s vital that every family member helps keep our household running smoothly. A chore chart is a useful tool to instill basic responsibilities in our children. It teaches them accountability and helps them set personal goals. By linking chores to privileges, we can reward responsible behavior and set consequences when expectations aren’t met.
Untasked children can be elusive. Mine have a knack for disappearing the moment I need them. By holding each child accountable for their tasks, I find my life becomes significantly easier. They often compete to do more chores as soon as the chart is hung. Total win!
3. Plan Meals and Shop in Bulk
Planning meals in advance reduces grocery trips. With our hectic schedule, I aim to shop once a week. If you have the space, consider a membership to a warehouse store for bulk purchases, which saves both time and money.
I’ve learned which stores offer the best deals, and my shopping day often begins at the butcher. After purchasing large quantities—like 25 lbs of chicken and 40 lbs of drumsticks—I portion everything into bags when I return home. Drumsticks make for easy meals, while ground beef can be transformed into tacos or pasta sauce. My chest freezer has been a lifesaver!
If you spot me at the store, I’m the mom with a cart overflowing with milk and enough cereal for a small army. It’s all gone in no time—most of it vanishes within 45 minutes of being home.
4. Reduce Clutter
Keeping clutter at bay has been one of my biggest challenges. I used to be the mom who saved everything, leading to a chaotic mess that resembled a scene from Hoarders. Now, I take photos of cherished items, save a few, and toss the rest.
Every morning, after the kids head off to school, I allocate time for tidying up—though “like” is the operative word here. Often, I find myself stepping over toys and kicking stray shoes to the side. Each night, we organize a “ten-minute tidy” with the kids, and it’s amazing how quickly the room gets cleaned when everyone pitches in.
5. Prioritize Family Time
My husband and I make it a point to carve out time for each other. Even a simple at-home date night keeps our connection strong. Whether it’s takeout or a snack from the pantry, any moment alone is precious. A friend once remarked, while we held hands in a parking lot, that we looked as if we truly enjoyed each other’s company.
6. Don’t Forget Yourself
In the midst of family chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment for self-care. Whether it’s waking up early for a workout, enjoying a quiet cup of tea, or indulging in a bubble bath, prioritizing personal time is crucial for balance.
Raising a large family involves hard work, immense love, and plenty of joy. Regardless of family size, you know best what each member needs. Take it day by day—you’re doing wonderfully.
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